Mississippi Red Cross workers help with hurricane relief

With Hurricane Harvey making its way inland, the American Red Cross serving the Heart of Texas is looking for volunteers to staff shelters for storm victims over the next five days.

It said it anticipates a large-scale deployment effort after it hits.

Until more is known about the storm and its impact, Red Cross officials say all three are in play for our area and they are ready to respond, however we are needed.

"George will work with the governments in different areas to make sure they are getting food and supplies as needed", Madrid said.

John Madrid, with the Red Cross in Aiken, said that three local volunteers are going tobe being deployed to different areas along the Gulf coast to help out as Texas and Louisiana are now seeing heavy rain, flooding and strong winds as Hurricane Harvey moved inland.

The first volunteer was sent Thursday and the second volunteer will be sent Friday, August 25.

"We'll be offering sheltering classes for new people who have never done that before, and you're welcome to come and join one of those", said Grace. "Our volunteers have been trained in shelter operations, mental health care and disaster assessment, and we are so grateful for their dedication to help those in need".

Donations can be made online by visiting www.redcross.org, over the phone by calling 1-(800) RED-CROSS (733-2767), or a $10 donation specifically for Harvey aid can be made by sending a text to 90999.